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Published: January 2026

Launching the new commission On Wednesday, 14 April 2021, Te Hiringa Mahara -- Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission held an event to acknowledge the establishment of Te Hiringa Mahara, which officially opened its doors on Wednesday, 9 February 2021. Hon Andrew Little, Minister of Health; Hayden

Published: April 2026

Ara Āwhina dashboard This dashboard pulls together data about many aspects of Aotearoa New Zealand’s mental health and addiction system. Updated April 2026. System performance monitoring The Commission's first Monitoring mental health and addiction system performance in Aotearoa New Zealand

Published: 28 May, 2026

get the help they need. "At a time when mental health is the leading health concern for New Zealanders, this response does not match the scale of the need experienced across the country every day," says Te Hiringa Mahara Chief Executive, Karen Orsborn. "According to the recent Ipsos New

Published: 11 June, 2025

representation of Māori accessing specialist services overall”. “There have been gains, with significant improvements to access for people seeking mental health and addiction support through a GP or other primary care services, however we are very concerned about the continued downward trend in the number

Published: 17 September, 2021

Commission called for the bill to have a clearer definition of ‘serious harm’ that incorporates physical and mental health, individual wellbeing, and whānau wellbeing. Hague says it is critical to get the definition right so that there is clear guidance around what is deemed unlawful practice. A clear

Published: 10 December, 2020

feedback was 9 December 2020. Visit the have your say  section on our website for more information about how people were able to provide feedback.

Published: 5 June, 2024

to be able to respond,” Orsborn says. “Based on this new report, we now better understand what is happening across the system. Our report offers five recommendations that put the spotlight on where we can improve access and options available for people seeking support.” Downloads Kua Tīmata He Haerenga | The Journey Has Begun report June 2024 Voices report: Accompanying report to Kua Tīmata Te Haerenga June 2024   Update monitoring dashboard

Published: 22 September, 2021

the urgent need for action. The Commission will provide insights and advice on what works well and bring people together to make it happen. Whānau and communities want to see things moving forward – the need at a local level is now. We will make sure that the need for mental health reform and advancing Aotearoa’s wellbeing agenda is kept front and centre across government,” says Hayden Wano.

Published: 29 August, 2023

Commission started this work, they wanted everyone to be able to have their say on how the system will monitor, measure and improve our country's mental health and wellbeing. However, due to COVID-19 they had to change their approach and target organisations that represent the people and diversity of

Published: 7 May, 2026

people now. “As well as preparing for crises caused by climate change, it is vital that government shows strong action to limiting the impacts of climate change, if it is to support young people to have hope, and better mental health and wellbeing today,” says Ms Orsborn.